Category: Media Releases and Statements

Group of Eight universities have a central role to play in ensuring Australia has a skilled workforce capacity,capable of meeting the demands of new and emerging industry sectors. “Increasing the number of Commonwealth Supported Places in Australian universities is the key to addressingour skills shortages in areas such as engineering,…

The Group of Eight, comprising Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, is in a strong position to advance Australia’s international education sector, however warns that diversification of the market will take time in an increasingly competitive global environment. Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said, “the Go8 is well placed to…

Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said new visa settings announced by the Australian Government will give international students flexibility and foster international education and research, which is vital to Australia’s post COVID economic recovery. “The Government’s measures to protect the post-study work rights of international students and extend…

More than 30,000 international students who have stuck by Group of Eight universities during COVID-19 and continued their studies offshore, can start planning their return to campus with confidence, following the Prime Minister’s announcement today. “The Australian Government’s decision to allow fully vaccinated eligible visa holders including international students and…

Group of Eight (Go8) universities are at the forefront of research, innovation and technology on the global stage, and stand ready to work with the Australian Government to protect that which must be protected. Our geopolitical situation has changed and issues surrounding national security, sovereign capability and the protection of…

The Group of Eight (Go8), comprising Australia’s leading research-intensive universities has played a central role in the development of the refreshed Guidelines to Counter Foreign interference in the Australian University Sector, released today. Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the Go8’s commitment to Australia’s national security has always been paramount,…

The TGA’s decision to recognise Coronavac (Sinovac) and Covishield (AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India) vaccines for incoming international travellers gives certainty to Australia’s international students, said Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson. “This is a major milestone in ensuring a smooth transition for their return to Australian campuses, when the…

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) recommendation to adopt a two-step approach to protecting Australia’s critical infrastructure will enable rapid response to counter cyber threats and ensure long term protections are effective, said Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson. “Group of Eight universities undertake the overwhelming…

Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, the Group of Eight (Go8), are well placed to play a major role in the development of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capability. Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the Go8 would engage with Government as a matter of priority to identify areas where Australia’s research and education expertise…

The latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 demonstrates that Australia’s Group of Eight (Go8) universities continue to be at the forefront of research, innovation and technology on the global stage. The Go8 represents Australia’s leading research-intensive universities and undertakes almost 70% of Australian university research activity. Six of…

Group of Eight universities are committed to protecting academic freedom and freedom of speech, while ensuring all international and domestic students have a positive and rewarding experience while studying in Australia. The issues raised in today’s Human Rights Watch (HRW) report are concerning and must be addressed – harassment or…

The Group of Eight (Go8) acknowledges the important role Australia’s higher education sector must play in meeting the challenges outlined today by the Federal Treasurer in the 2021 Intergenerational Report. “Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has highlighted three central challenges facing future generations of Australians: our rapidly ageing population, the increasing pressure…

The Australian Government’s decision to approve the South Australian Government’s plan for the safe and secure return of international students is a major step towards ensuring the sustainability of our international education sector, said Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson. While further work is yet to be done, the…

A review into the way in which our university research is assessed by Government underscores the critical importance of both excellence and impact of our national research effort. The final report of the review of Australia’s primary university research assessment exercises Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) and Engagement and…

Group of Eight (Go8) universities have lodged over 4,000 international arrangements for review as part of the Australian Government’s Foreign Relations Scheme (FRS), demonstrating the commitment of Go8 members to supporting Australian foreign policy. The Government’s FRS makes provision for the Foreign Minister to review and potentially cancel or vary…

A plan approved by the New South Wales Government for the safe return of international students is a significant step forward for our universities, our students and our local economies. Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the NSW Government had shown tenacity and leadership in putting together a plan that…

Labor’s policy proposal to support the establishment and growth of potentially 2000 new start-ups via loans of up to $11,300 per entrepreneur will help foster innovation and boost economic growth in key areas, said Group of Eight (Go8) Chief Executive Vicki Thomson. Labor’s policy proposal to support the establishment and…

The Group of Eight (Go8) which represents Australia’s leading research-intensive universities and undertakes almost 70% of Australian university research activity applauds the Government’s commitment to a budget which will secure Australia’s economic recovery as we emerge from the catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic – but this won’t happen without…

The rapidly escalating number of COVID-19 infections in India and the suffering it is causing is both heartbreaking and distressing. The Group of Eight (Go8) stands in solidarity with India as they manage the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Our thoughts are with our Indian friends, students, staff, research…

The Australian Government’s commitment to expanding the role of international education in the post COVID-19 world will boost economic growth, foster foreign diplomacy and contribute to Australia’s national security, said Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson. Go8 universities look forward to collaborating with the government to develop the new…

“For the sake of Australia’s economy and for the future of all Australians, Group of Eight universities must maintain their place as world research leaders while working cooperatively with Government on issues of national security,” said Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson. The Group of Eight’s Measures to Safeguard Australia’s Research…

A strong university research sector is critical to Australia’s post COVID-19 economic recovery and Group of Eight universities are committed to working with government and business to build our sovereign capabilities. “Go8 universities carry out 70% of our nation’s research activity and welcome the challenge set by Education Minister Alan…

The Group of Eight (Go8) represents Australia’s leading research- intensive universities with seven of its eight members in the world’s top 100 universities. As such it is delighted to welcome back to the Go8 Board former Chair and one of Australia’s most esteemed research and commercialisation leaders, Professor Peter Høj…

The Group of Eight (Go8), which represents Australia’s research-intensive universities and undertakes some 70 per cent of all Australian university research says the ministerial reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison will ensure continuity in the key portfolios of Trade, Health, Industry and Innovation, Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs. Go8…